Local people are getting hands on experience of house building through the ongoing development of new homes at Mulberry Park in Bath.
Curo is working in partnership with Bath College and contractors including Britannia Construction to provide work placements and educational placements to local people.
The innovative scheme gives participants the opportunity to get work experience while gaining an accredited qualification.
Tom Fortune works for Curo’s contractor Britannia Construction at Mulberry Park, while studying at Bath College.
The educational placement programme at Mulberry Park has given him invaluable practical knowledge and the opportunity to work alongside experienced construction professionals.
Tom said: “I’ve learned so much from the Britannia and Curo teams on site. It’s been really useful to put the theory into practice and has confirmed by passion for a career in construction.”
Christian Chambers, Britannia’s Construction Manager said: “Tom has really impressed us all with his professionalism and eagerness to learn. This scheme is a great opportunity for Britannia to support young people eager to work in construction.”
Curo’s Mulberry Park team have also hosted three administration work placements. Most recently, Steven Freeman completed an accredited work placement as part of the team.
He gained first-hand experience in a busy office, greeting visitors, supporting meetings and handling enquiries.
Curo’s accredited work placement programme started in 2014 and has supported nearly 70 local people to get work experience while gaining NVQ units accredited by Bath College.
Of the 68 participants who completed the Curo programme, 31 have continued into employment, 17 are now in further training or education and 14 are currently in a placement.
Lisa Quayle, Curo’s Employment, Training & Engagement Coordinator, said: “This programme makes a real difference to the lives of people like Tom and Steven.
“It’s great to see them grow in confidence and professionalism over the course of their placements and show an employer what they are capable of.”
